Scouts honors: Century-old group still going strong

The year 1912 was pretty bleak for females. Women couldn’t vote. They couldn’t own property. They were only allowed a job outside the home if they were single. But while women’s rights were still virtually nonexistent, young girls got to take a purposeful step forward when a nonprofit organization formed to empower them: Girl Scouts […]

One man’s band: A few tips for buying the groom’s ring

Ooohs and aaahs are normal for women’s wedding ring sets, but the same attention isn’t given to men’s wedding bands. In the spirit of gender equality, we spoke with Rob Matthews, store manager of Fink’s Jewelers, about the top five things men should know before buying their bling of wedded bliss. 1. Mix and match. […]

The view from here

Pippin Hill’s mountain vista is picture-perfect “It’s a blank canvas.” That is the first message Meg Forch, event sales and marketing manager, conveys about Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards as a wedding venue. Just how versatile is it? One couple brought in magnolia trees for their wedding reception. Forch says they chose really serene green […]

Mentor shift: When the student becomes the expert operator

Most kids use their Wii remotes to race cars or battle bad guys while playing games on their TV. C’erra Rhodes uses hers to teach other middle school-age girls how to solder metal. The 13-year-old created a “Wiimote” as a project through Computers4Kids in Charlottesville, an organization that teaches tech skills to middle and high […]

Period specific: First Colony Winery gets an old-world upgrade

“Do you ever worry about falling off the roof?” “No, it’s hitting the ground I don’t like.” Colin McGhee jokes about his career, but the Staunton-based master thatcher is one of only two people in the U.S. to achieve that designation. McGhee is putting the finishing touches on the new roof at First Colony Winery […]

Razing the roof? What to consider before re-covering your home

If you’re wondering whether to repair or replace your existing roof due to its age or its condition, there are a few things to keep in mind. You might choose tearing off the current roof and starting from scratch, patching a portion of it, or “roofing over” your existing one. (Always make sure your roofer […]